US States are increasingly pushing for legislation to make fossil fuel companies pay their share of climate change costs, as the financial fallout from global warming continues to rise. The growing threat of extreme weather events and floods is prompting lawmakers to introduce bills that would require companies responsible for the climate crisis to contribute to "climate superfunds" - similar to the US's Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (Superfund).
In Illinois, State Rep. Robyn Gabel plans to introduce a climate change superfund bill this session, which would support mitigation and adaptation efforts. The legislation aims to address the rising costs of climate change, including increased home insurance premiums, utility bills, health expenses, and record-breaking damages from extreme weather events.
Climate activists and disaster survivors are rallying across the US in support of these efforts, arguing that polluters should be responsible for the damage they cause. Gina Ramirez, director of Midwest environmental health at the Natural Resources Defense Council, says "It's time for us to step up" and implement ways to improve infrastructure and combat climate change.
The idea behind climate superfund bills is simple: companies most heavily contributing to the climate crisis should pay their fair share as well. The strategy has garnered broad public support, with 71% of likely voters favoring oil and gas companies paying a share of climate-related damages, according to recent polling.
However, fossil fuel industry groups and the Trump administration have pushed back against these efforts, claiming they are "burdensome" and "ideologically motivated". The American Petroleum Institute has included fighting superfund legislation in its 2026 priorities list.
Despite this pushback, advocates remain committed to making polluters pay. Cassidy DiPaola, communications director for Fossil Free Media, says the effort is a David versus Goliath fight, but they're not going to back down. The movement is gaining momentum, with new bills introduced in states such as Rhode Island and Maine.
The costs of climate change are rising rapidly, with the US experiencing 23 billion-dollar weather and climate disasters last year alone, totaling at least $1 billion each. Home insurance rates are also increasing, and insurance companies are increasingly backing out of areas with high risks from hurricanes or wildfires. Researchers have documented how climate change causes premature deaths and increases healthcare costs as it fuels disease and other health problems.
State lawmakers in Illinois say the bill is a practical step to bring funding to local schools, families, and governments struggling with these consequences. As one resident, Gina Ramirez, put it, "This superfund climate bill would create revenue to fix the infrastructure and combat all this bad stuff that's happening."
In Illinois, State Rep. Robyn Gabel plans to introduce a climate change superfund bill this session, which would support mitigation and adaptation efforts. The legislation aims to address the rising costs of climate change, including increased home insurance premiums, utility bills, health expenses, and record-breaking damages from extreme weather events.
Climate activists and disaster survivors are rallying across the US in support of these efforts, arguing that polluters should be responsible for the damage they cause. Gina Ramirez, director of Midwest environmental health at the Natural Resources Defense Council, says "It's time for us to step up" and implement ways to improve infrastructure and combat climate change.
The idea behind climate superfund bills is simple: companies most heavily contributing to the climate crisis should pay their fair share as well. The strategy has garnered broad public support, with 71% of likely voters favoring oil and gas companies paying a share of climate-related damages, according to recent polling.
However, fossil fuel industry groups and the Trump administration have pushed back against these efforts, claiming they are "burdensome" and "ideologically motivated". The American Petroleum Institute has included fighting superfund legislation in its 2026 priorities list.
Despite this pushback, advocates remain committed to making polluters pay. Cassidy DiPaola, communications director for Fossil Free Media, says the effort is a David versus Goliath fight, but they're not going to back down. The movement is gaining momentum, with new bills introduced in states such as Rhode Island and Maine.
The costs of climate change are rising rapidly, with the US experiencing 23 billion-dollar weather and climate disasters last year alone, totaling at least $1 billion each. Home insurance rates are also increasing, and insurance companies are increasingly backing out of areas with high risks from hurricanes or wildfires. Researchers have documented how climate change causes premature deaths and increases healthcare costs as it fuels disease and other health problems.
State lawmakers in Illinois say the bill is a practical step to bring funding to local schools, families, and governments struggling with these consequences. As one resident, Gina Ramirez, put it, "This superfund climate bill would create revenue to fix the infrastructure and combat all this bad stuff that's happening."
. It's not just about making them pay up, it's about holding them accountable for the damage they've caused. I mean, think about it - these companies have been profiting off our planet's resources for decades and now we're seeing the devastating effects of climate change all around us.
. Now it's time for them to put their money where their mouth is. And let's be real, 71% of voters are behind this - that's a clear indication that we're ready for change.
. But I think this movement is gaining momentum for a reason - people can see that something needs to be done, and they're willing to fight for it.
. I mean, 71% of people think its fair dat oil and gas companies contribute to climate-related damages which is kinda awesome. But at da same time, it feels like fossil fuel industry groups r just tryna push back cuz dey don't wanna take responsibility for dair actions 
. Its a good thing ppl are rallying together in support of these efforts tho maybe we can learn from da US on dis 
️. On the other hand, it's super reasonable that they should be responsible for the damage they cause, like flooding and wildfires 
. But, I also think we shouldn't be making the government bail us out every time something bad happens... err, no, I mean we totally need to make sure companies pay their share so people can rebuild and move forward 
.
. Part of me thinks it's a brilliant idea, but another part of me is worried that it's just gonna be more bureaucratic red tape 
. Still, if companies are making all this money from extracting fossil fuels, shouldn't they be contributing to the costs when climate change hits? That makes sense, right? 
. The idea of a climate superfund is simple yet effective - if they cause the damage, they should pay for it too 
. They always try to spin things in their favor and make it about "burdens" rather than acknowledging the harm they're causing 
. But I think this movement is gaining momentum, and that's a good thing 
. And while it might seem like a David versus Goliath fight, I think we've got this 
. We just need to keep pushing forward and make sure our voices are heard 
Their determination is inspiring 
and we need more people like them speaking out against climate change 
. I think it's totally fair that fossil fuel companies should pay their share of the costs, they're profiting from our planet's resources while ruining it 
. The idea of a "climate superfund" is genius 
and it's amazing to see 71% of people supporting this idea 
. We need more politicians like State Rep. Robyn Gabel who are willing to take action 
! Keep fighting, everyone! You're making a difference 
.
I think its about time we make those fossil fuel companies pay for their own mess 
. Its like, they're making billions of dollars every year, why shouldn't they be kicking in a bit to help us deal with the damage they've caused? The idea of climate superfunds is so simple yet genius 
. We can't keep expecting everyone else to foot the bill for their reckless actions. It's time for some accountability and we should be supporting our lawmakers who are trying to make this happen 
71% of likely voters favoring oil and gas companies paying for damages sounds good, but I need to see some actual data to back it up. What's the average return on investment for each dollar invested in fossil fuels compared to the cost of mitigating climate change? 